Boys cross county place fifth at state meet

The Custer High School boys and girls cross country teams competed in the state meet in Sioux Falls this past weekend, coming away with a fifth place plaque for the boys and a few medals.
Conditions at the meet were less than ideal, with strong winds making it difficult weather to race in.
“It was windier and a harder race to PR (personal record) in than expected,” said head coach Karen Karim.
The boys finished fifth, behind Milbank (fourth), Belle Fourche (third), Sioux Falls Christian (second) and Hill City (first).
“The boys did exactly what they needed to do,” said Karim.
Sean Shipp, a junior, had his fastest race of the season, earning sixth place  and a medal with his time of 16:00.17.
“I was very proud of Sean. He put it all out there,” said Karim.
Crossing the finish line at 16:37.10 was senior Drew Lehman, earning 19th place and a medal.
In 32nd place at the meet was sophomore Kian Rusch, finishing in 17:12.91.
Austin Drew, a freshman, wasn’t far behind with his time of 17:25.95, good for 37th place.
Dalton Marshall, also a freshman, earned 79th place with his time of 18:22.63.
A little over 20 seconds later, Jackson Wiles was the final member of the team to finish the race, earning 87th place with his time of 18:45.32.
On the girls side, fall sickness and the poor weather impeded the team, with three members of the team not feeling their best for the race. Still, they made a good effort and many came within seconds of their best times.
“They still competed, but it probably wasn’t what they were hoping for,” said Karim.
Brit Wheeler, a senior, led the team with her time of 19:39.67, earning 24th place to earn a medal.
Mattea Marshall, a freshman, was the next Wildcat to finish with her time of 21:24.58 in 81st place.
In 89th place was Sierra Swanson, a senior, who finished in 21:44.34.
Crossing the finish line in the same second were sophomores Hailey Woodward and Kiera Alfson, who finished in 21:51.74 and 21:51.83, respectively. They earned 93rd and 94th place.
Kelsey Stiefel crossed the finish line in 22:01.61, earning 101st place.
“I have a great group of kids this year. I think they worked hard this season,” said Karim.
“Hopefully good things are still yet to come,” she said.